Absence makes the heart grow fonder - how to cope with travelling on business.

How can we cope with the disruption of frequent business travelling? I don't know how long distance lorry drivers keep their relationships flourishing. Perhaps someone will write in and tell me. There's no doubt one partner being away puts pressure on the other, especially if there are children. Then there's the temptation to find company elsewhere or the lurking fears of what he or she are getting up to in that hotel all on their own.

If you're reading this then you will have e-mail. My husband and I write to each other when he's away for a long time, especially if he's abroad. Of course he has to have access to e-mail wherever he is. The time difference doesn't matter and it's cheaper than a phone call. You can also think carefully about what you want to say.

We also find it helps if we make a highlight of the home coming, setting aside some time and space for each other to adjust mentally and emotionally. Sometimes that won't be the moment the traveler returns as they may have sleep to catch up on, but it does make the point that you're glad to be back together again. It also gives you space to talk about expectations. One of you may have a strong desire for sex, after being apart and a time to show your care for each other may give the other one the chance to catch up with that.

There are probably lots of other issues around this subject, which are specific to your own relationship. Why not find time to sit down and talk about your views, emotions and expectations at these times. You may well discover something new about each other and fresh ways to help each other cope with the pressures at these times.